CHENNAI: A month after Alandur MLA T M Anbarasan and Sriperumbudur MP R S Bharathi surveyed the Adambakkam lake with the resident associations and agreed to contribute for its complete restoration, the Public Works Department is yet to prepare an estimate for the work.
The elected representatives agreed to split the cost of restoration by contributing from the MLA and MP funds after the PWD complained of funds crunch. However, without an estimate being prepared, this last ditch attempt to save the lake from further dilapidation remains an idea even as it continues to pose threat to surrounding residents.
“The lake is full after the first spell of monsoon rain and will overflow if there is heavy spell of rain,” said V Shreeram, a member of Thillai Ganga Nagar Residents Welfare Association.
The PWD has continued to sidestep this waterbody after providing some temporary relief. Water hyacinth and thorn shrubs in the vicinity of the lake were cleared after repeated requests from the Federation of Adambakkam Welfare Associations.
While this improved the overall aesthetics of the lake, water retention is an issue which has not been addressed. A small portion of the lake was deepened in November 2016, but a comprehensive restoration, including de-silting and strengthening of the bund was not taken up.
“We are currently working on canals and rivers,” said Muttiah, Executive engineer, Kancheepuram PWD, and pointed out the eviction drives which were conducted along the Nanmangalam canal at Keelkattalai.
When Express asked when the estimate would be prepared, he said “In a week.” This was the answer he gave when the same question was posed after a survey was done by the MLA and MP on October 5. However, he said a complete restoration would cost around `60 lakhs.
Encroachments
The PWD told Express that encroachments along the lake would have to be reassessed before the restoration begins and fresh notices would have to be served. The heavy encroachments have reduced the lake to canal in some portions. Eviction drives between 2006 and 2011 sent around 85 families packing. “Some of the families which were evicted have returned and have garnered some support in the locality,” said MLA Anbarasan